Hellman & Friedman Acquires Hyve Group in B2B Events Deal

Hellman & Friedman is set to acquire Hyve Group, a prominent player in the B2B events sector, from its current private equity owners, Providence Equity Partners and Searchlight Capital Partners. This transaction signals a significant shift for Hyve, aiming to fuel its next growth phase through strategic investments and market expansion.

The deal underscores the enduring value of in-person and hybrid business interactions, a trend H&F believes will intensify as digital transformation accelerates. Hyve, recognized for its curated portfolio of premium industry gatherings such as HLTH and Shoptalk, connects key stakeholders across vital sectors including healthcare, e-commerce, and technology. The company has consistently delivered robust financial performance, achieving three consecutive years of double-digit organic revenue expansion and surpassing $100 million in EBITDA.

Under the leadership of CEO Mark Shashoua, Hyve has evolved beyond traditional event management. It now offers a comprehensive ecosystem approach, integrating content, intelligence, matchmaking services, and membership programs. This strategy has positioned Hyve as a preferred partner for emerging industry events in high-growth markets, enhancing customer value and fostering year-round engagement. H&F plans to leverage this platform to accelerate international initiatives and broaden its service offerings.

“We believe Hyve has built an exceptional platform to capture this opportunity – a portfolio of genuinely irreplaceable commercial moments, powered by AI-driven matchmaking that turns a physical gathering into a year-round ecosystem,” stated Hunter Philbrick, Partner at Hellman & Friedman. He highlighted the firm's conviction that fostering human connections remains paramount for businesses, especially amidst rapid technological change. H&F's investment is predicated on this belief, aiming to support Hyve's vision of creating deeper industry ecosystems.

The acquisition marks the culmination of a successful ownership period for Providence Equity Partners and Searchlight Capital Partners. During their tenure, Hyve underwent a significant transformation, marked by strategic acquisitions, the launch of new events, and the development of innovative tech-enabled services. Andrew Tisdale, Vice Chairman at Providence, and James Redmayne, Partner at Searchlight, both expressed pride in the company's growth and diversification, noting its enhanced global reach and digital sophistication.

Hyve's strategic roadmap, known as "GO27," is reportedly on track to be completed a year ahead of schedule, demonstrating strong operational momentum. The transaction is anticipated to conclude by the end of the current calendar year. Financial advisory services for Hellman & Friedman were provided by RAN Advisory, while LionTree and J.P. Morgan Securities plc advised Hyve, Providence, and Searchlight.